Dear TIA,

A recent letter by one T.D. regarding "Emotion that Strikes a Chord" had me scratching my head. The author makes certain assertions that are groundless.

First off, the author gives the impression that there is rampant livestock abuse on U.S. farmlands. However, a simple run through the USDA website will prove this to be rather unlikely. According to procedures and guidelines on its site, the USDA assumes the authority to remove animals from producers who violate the Animal Welfare Act unless the offense is corrected. Given that the livestock industry is under such close scrutiny of the animal rights coalition, one would think that if there is such rampant abuse going on, more producers would be shutting down - or facing stiff penalties. Such is not the case. [At least there has not been any coverage of such in the mainstream media as of late].

Secondly, it is not just the "rich" who benefit from the raising of pork, chickens, and cattle for food. There are many poor people in our country (and for that matter the world) who would have little nourishment were it not for the livestock industry. To suggest that livestock is "abused" for the benefit of the rich is highly disingenuous and betrays a class warfare mentality. Who would have thought that abusing pigs "maximizes luxury"? Just another attempt to make the rich out to be evil (which even Christ did not do).

I think that T.D. really needs to study the Church's Teachings more carefully, research the topic of animal welfare more thoroughly, and not give in to emotions that simply strike a chord.

     In Xtro,

     W.M.

Dear TIA,

I would suggest reading the scriptural study: "There is Eternal Life for Animals" by Niki Shanahan.

Apocalypse Chapter 19

11. And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called faithful and true, and with justice doth he judge and fight.

12. And his eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many diadems, and he had a name written, which no man knoweth but himself.

13. And he was clothed with a garment sprinkled with blood; and his name is called, THE WORD OF GOD.

14. And the armies that are in heaven followed him on white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

15. And out of his mouth proceedeth a sharp two edged sword; that with it he may strike the nations. And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God the Almighty.

16. And he hath on his garment, and on his thigh written: KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

17. And I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that did fly through the midst of heaven: Come, gather yourselves together to the great supper of God: 18 That you may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of tribunes, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all freemen and bondmen, and of little and of great.

     Peace,

     F.R.

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